Rory Dall

Rory Dall: his life: his tunes: his songs: his harp: Read more

Ruaidhrí Dall Ó Catháin

The definitive biography of the Irish Rory Dall is by Colm O Baoill. The essay details all that is known about his life, as well as listing titles and sources for all the tunes attributed to him. First published in 1970 (as part of ‘Some Irish Harpers in Scotland’ Transactions of the Gaelic Society of Inverness 47, 1970-72), it has been recently revised and occupies half a chapter (10 pages, sadly omitting the tune list) in a weighty new academic book about 17th century Scottish music, Defining Strains edited by James Porter.
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Ann Heymann's latest CD, Cruit go nÓr - Harp of Gold (Clairseach Records CMCD0706, 2006) contains superb recordings of Port Ballangowne, Is eagal leam am bas with its accompanying jig, and Port Robart, played on early Irish harp.
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Siobhán Armstrong's CD Cláirseach na hÉireann - The Harp of Ireland (Maya MCD0401, 2004) includes excellent renditions of Da Mihi Manum and Port Atholl, played on early Irish harp
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Simon Chadwick's CD Clarsach na Banrighe (EGH 1, 2008) includes Rory Dall's Port, Da Mihi Manum, the other Port Atholl, Port Lennox, Port Gordon, and Lude's Supper, played on early clàrsach.
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Ruaidhri Dall Mac Mhuirich

For the Scottish Rory Dall's life and music, the authoritative work is William Matheson's book The Blind Harper - the songs of Roderick Morison and his music, Scottish Gaelic Texts Society, 1970. This book includes all of his poems and songs in Gaelic and also English translation, a full biography, as well as copious background information on the sources and traditions.
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Two of his songs, "Creach na Ciadaoin" and "Oran do MhacLeòid Dhùn Bheagain" can be heard, sung unaccompanied, on William Matheson's double CD Gaelic Bards and Minstrels, Scottish Tradition 16.
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Ordering instructions: I carry a number of Gaelic harp books and CDs in stock at the Emporium. You can call or email me to discuss what you want - I am happy to try and source out-of-print or hard-to-find items not currently in stock. Go to the Emporium homepage for more details.

I also will buy secondhand copies of these and other related items. Contact me with details of what you have and we can discuss terms.

Rory Dall his life: his tunes: his songs: his harp: Read more: